Buzz
Image: Viktoriia Oleinichenko/Getty ImagesIf you're reading this, chances are you've either never cleaned your hairbrush or haven't done so in so long that you can't even recall the last time. (We totally understand.) While it's not as frequent a task as, for example, washing your makeup brushes, it's important to know how to clean your hairbrush, along with how often and why it's necessary. Let's dive in.
Should Hairbrushes Even Be Washed?
Hairbrushes should definitely be cleaned, and in some cases, it’s best to replace them after extended use. This applies to all types of hairbrushes and combs, including those made from boar bristles, plastic, metal, plant fibers, and other materials.
“Even though we’re usually the only ones using our own hairbrushes, it doesn’t mean they don’t need to be cleaned,” says Shelly Aguirre, a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. “The brush collects not just hair but also scalp and product residue.”
Neglecting to wash your hairbrush causes dirt, oil, product buildup, and even bacteria to accumulate, which can transfer to your freshly washed hair. Over time, this can weigh down your hair, leave your scalp feeling greasy, and even lead to irritation or dandruff. Regularly cleaning your hairbrush keeps it hygienic and helps your hair stay healthier and fresher for longer.
Why You Should Wash Your Hairbrushes
In addition to minimizing the gross factor, here’s why you should clean your hairbrush regularly. William Gaunitz, FWTS, certified trichologist and founder of Advanced Trichology, shares other important benefits of keeping your brushes clean:
- Removing tangled hair from the brush creates a smooth surface for the hair to glide through more easily,” he explains.
- The clean surface can also help eliminate sebum from the scalp, providing extra moisture and hydration for a healthier scalp.
- Cleaning hairbrushes helps “prevent the buildup of fungi, bacteria, and parasites in the brush, which could re-infect the scalp repeatedly, causing inflammation,” he notes. Yikes!
How Often Should You Wash Your Hairbrush?
A good rule of thumb is to remove stray hairs and gently wash your hairbrush once a week, says Gaunitz. You can do this while you wash your makeup brushes to knock everything out at once.
Factors that might affect how often you should clean your hairbrush include whether you use styling products, how oily your hair/scalp are, how often you use the brush, and how much hair shedding occurs. Some may find cleaning every other week or even monthly sufficient, while others might need to wash their brush every few days.
“At the very least, you should remove any shed hair when it starts to build up,” says Aguirre. “It’s not much different from cleaning your makeup brushes, which should also be done regularly.”
Quick Tips for Washing Hairbrushes
The simplest way to clean your hairbrush or comb is by first removing excess hair, then soaking it in hot, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes. Gaunitz suggests using an unscented, natural, mild soap that won’t leave any residue behind.
“After soaking, remove the hair and debris from the brush and let it air dry overnight. Focus on cleaning the bristles and the brush itself,” he advises. Make sure the bristles face downward while drying.
